The Descendants Review

For many out there, George Clooney is the man who is the face of 'Oceans' series. For the discerning viewer though, he is the man who has to his credit some modern day dramatic tales like 'Syriana', 'Up In The Air' or 'Michael Clayton'. However there aren't many who are familiar with the kind of work that he has done in the past that would fit him into a setup like as seen in 'The Descendants'. Well, it is this unfamiliar territory that intrigues you into watching the film and checking out what's so different in his characterisation here that is resulting in quite a few award nominations (and ultimate wings as well) this season.

As it turns out, 'The Descendants' turns out to be a family film that is based on one of the oft-repeated American themes - 'a tale of a dysfunctional family'. The setting is pretty much the same with Clooney finding himself in the thick of action as he tries to take care of his two daughters - Alex (Shailene Woodley) and Scottie (Amara Miller). However there is a twist in the tale that prevents 'The Descendants' from becoming a quintessential light hearted comic affair a la many other belonging to this genre. This time around there is a comatose wife on her deathbed and Clooney is also in the middle of a multi-million land deal, something that comes with complexities of their own.

So while Clooney tries to figure out how to deal with his elder daughter (who obviously comes with a mind of her own) and the younger one (who is trying to develop one), there is a secret waiting to be unveiled that threatens to uproot his very living. Though infidelity as a subject may seemingly make a story a lot serious and morose, 'The Descendants' thankfully doesn't take that route and instead tries to find a touch of humour in such setting as well.

This is where one further gets to see Clooney's prowess as an actor as he stays on to be all balanced and controlled despite intermittent moments of mad rush that end up making you chuckle instead. Also, one also gets to see the humane side of Clooney who otherwise has ensured time and again that the debonair side of his personality never ceases to leave his side.

If Clooney is, as expected, the star of the show, director Alexander Payne too ensures that he doesn't allow the story to tread the expected lane. He had a choice to either go full-on dramatic or turn it into a mad comedy but instead, he places audience in the middle of this family and allows them to take a sneak peak up, close and personal. This is where he also succeeds in establishing the presence of Shailene who is fantastic as the elder daughter. While she is plain natural when she breaks the 'big news' to her dad, her various encounters with Nick Krause (her boyfriend) and younger sister Amara bring on the much needed relief in the proceedings as well.

However one still can't ignore the fact that at the end of it all, this is one of those largely subtle affairs that never quite qualify as a 'massy commercial' Hollywood flick which breaks international boundaries and turns out to be widely popular amongst the audience far away from the scene, in this case Hawaii. Yes, it is good and makes for a largely engaging affair. Still, for those who have been continuously fed on full-on comedies or over-the-top affairs, this one basically caters to a niche audience that likes it's films to have a touch of realism to them.

Rating: ***